Unlocking Speed: A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving 120 FPS in Marvel Rivals

Updated: 3rd July 2025 4 min read

For dedicated players of Marvel Rivals who crave the ultimate in fluid and responsive gameplay, reaching a consistent 120 frames per second (FPS) is often a top priority. This higher frame rate not only makes the action appear incredibly smooth but also significantly reduces input latency, offering a tangible competitive advantage.

Whether you’re battling it out on PlayStation 5, the more powerful PS5 Pro, an Xbox Series X, or a high-end PC, here’s how you can optimize your setup to unleash the full potential of your hardware and experience Marvel Rivals at a blistering 120 FPS.

Console Command: PlayStation 5 & PS5 Pro

Punk Rage

Achieving 120 FPS on Sony’s latest consoles requires a careful check of both your display and your console’s settings.

Essential Requirements:

  • 120Hz Display: Your television or monitor must support a 120Hz refresh rate and be equipped with an HDMI 2.1 port. It’s crucial to note that on many TVs, only specific HDMI ports (often labeled HDMI 3 or 4) are capable of handling 120Hz signals.
  • HDMI 2.1 Cable: Ensure you are using an HDMI 2.1 compliant cable. The cable included with your PlayStation 5 is typically sufficient.

Step-by-Step Setup:

  1. Verify Your Display: Before adjusting console settings, confirm that your TV or monitor can indeed support 120Hz and is connected to the PS5 via an HDMI 2.1 port. Consult your display’s manual if unsure.
  2. Enable 120Hz Output on PS5:
    • Navigate to your PS5’s Settings menu.
    • Select Screen and Video, then Video Output.
    • Find the “Enable 120Hz Output” option and set it to Automatic.
  3. Set Game Preset to Performance Mode:
    • Go to Settings > Save Data and Game/App Settings.
    • Choose Game Presets.
    • Select Performance Mode. This tells the console to prioritize frame rate over graphical fidelity for compatible games.
  4. Adjust In-Game Settings for Marvel Rivals:
    • Launch Marvel Rivals.
    • Go to Options > Settings > Display.
    • Locate “Graphics Mode” and switch it to HFR Mode (High Frame Rate Mode). This specific mode is designed to enable 120 FPS, though it often comes with a trade-off in visual detail for a smoother experience.

Optional Tweaks for Troubleshooting:

  • If you encounter issues or the 120Hz option isn’t appearing, try lowering your console’s resolution (e.g., to 1080p).
  • Disabling HDR can sometimes resolve conflicts if the 120Hz option remains elusive.

Console Command: Xbox Series X

Xbox Series X users will find a similar, streamlined process for enabling high frame rates.

Essential Requirements:

  • 120Hz-Capable Display: As with PlayStation, a TV or monitor that supports 120Hz refresh rates and HDMI 2.1 is mandatory.

Setup:

  1. Configure Xbox Display Settings:
    • Go to Settings > General > TV & Display Options.
    • Set the Refresh Rate to 120Hz.
  2. Activate In-Game HFR Mode:
    • Launch Marvel Rivals.
    • Within the game’s graphics settings, select HFR Mode.

100% Win Rate Smurfs
For only 16,99 €

Buy Now

PC Power: Unlocking 120 FPS on Desktop

PC players have the most granular control over their game’s performance, allowing for extensive optimization to hit 120 FPS and beyond.

Essential Requirements:

  • High Refresh Rate Monitor: Your monitor must have a refresh rate of 120Hz or higher.
  • Capable Graphics Card: Your GPU should meet or ideally exceed the recommended specifications for Marvel Rivals (e.g., NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super or AMD RX 5700-XT).

Steps for Optimization:

  1. Set Your Monitor’s Refresh Rate:
    • On your Windows desktop, right-click and select Display Settings.
    • Scroll down and click on Advanced Display Settings.
    • Under “Refresh rate,” ensure it is set to 120Hz or higher.
  2. Optimize In-Game Settings for Marvel Rivals:
    • Upon launching the game, consider using the “Optimize” button within Marvel Rivals‘ settings as a starting point.
    • For manual control, prioritize performance by lowering graphical settings such as:
      • Shadow quality
      • Texture quality
      • Effects quality
    • Crucially, turn off V-Sync. While V-Sync prevents screen tearing, it introduces input lag.
    • If available on your GPU, enable upscaling technologies like NVIDIA DLSS or AMD FSR. These can significantly boost frame rates with minimal perceived loss in visual quality.
    • Set the in-game FPS limit to match your monitor’s refresh rate, or disable it entirely for uncapped frame rates if your system can handle it.
  3. Update Your Drivers: Always ensure your graphics card drivers are up to date. Manufacturers frequently release optimized drivers that can provide significant performance improvements for new titles.

The Performance Trade-Offs

It’s important to understand that achieving 120 FPS, especially on consoles via HFR Mode, typically involves a trade-off. To prioritize smoothness and responsiveness, the game will often reduce graphical fidelity. This means you might notice less detailed textures, simpler shadows, or fewer intricate visual effects.

However, the gains in input latency and the overall fluidity of gameplay are substantial, making this a worthwhile exchange for competitive players where every millisecond counts.

Summary: Enabling 120 FPS by Platform

PlatformKey Steps
PS5 / PS5 ProEnable 120Hz in system settings, use HDMI 2.1, select HFR Mode in-game
Xbox Series XSet 120Hz in TV & Display Options, select HFR Mode in-game
PCUse 120Hz+ monitor, lower graphics settings, enable performance-boosting features (DLSS/FSR), update drivers

Marvel Rivals‘ High Frame Rate Mode is meticulously designed for players who demand the most agile and visually fluid experience. With the correct hardware in place and a few strategic adjustments to your system and in-game settings, you can dive into the fray at a glorious 120 FPS, gaining a noticeable competitive advantage and enjoying the game at its peak performance.

Written by:

Christian